small plates and sweet treats

  

Over the past two years I’ve spent many an inspired hour roaming Aran Goyoaga’s foodie blog, cannelle et vanille. Pretty and fresh is the way I’d describe both her photography and recipes. Her blog makes me swoon. A Spanish expat based in the United States, Aran is a champion of gluten-free and often lactose-free cooking and she hosts food styling and photography workshops around the world, recently in New York and the Dordogne region of France (see – swoon!). She also explores local farms and orchards near her home in Florida with her young son and daughter, which reminds me how important it is to seek out fresh food and fresh air with my little boy. Aran’s first cookbook, Small Plates & Sweet Treats, will be published in October but pre-orders are open now. I can’t wait to pore over it.   

Photos by Aran Goyoaga 

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country wedding goodness

It was nearly two years ago that I was searching for a wedding venue. I remember it being an exciting yet daunting exercise. We happily settled on Ricky's at Noosaville because we wanted to be near the ocean. But if I had my time again and if all the planets aligned, this hideaway in the Byron Bay hinterland would be my pick. Isn't it dreamy! The property is called Coorabella and it's a mix of secret garden, country escape, cottage goodness and posh estate. Somehow it all works - seamlessly. These gorgeous photos (and the wedding it belongs to) were snapped by Brisbane-based wedding photographer, Jonas Peterson. He is seriously clever behind the camera and has carved a dream career for himself, traveling the world (with his family at the moment) and snapping people's happy moments. He's not your run-of-the-mill wedding photographer. He cares about what he does, and you can tell.

Photos by Jonas Peterson
 
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A spring clean for head and home

fig + fauna from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

After meeting a bunch of back-to-back story deadlines and reveling in a family birthday celebration (one of the highlights being a sunset campfire by the lake with toasted marshmallows and loved ones!), my head and home is in dire need of a spring clean. This video of the beautiful Fig & Fauna Farm in South Florida, U.S, reminds me of spring time and new beginnings. I find it soothing and hopeful and just the right medicine for a Monday. A light breeze and soft morning sunshine, freshly washed sheets on the line and vegie gardens thirsty for water. Such a sweet scene. I hope it inspires you too. 

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A Sweet Love Hello

Carrie, thank you for inviting me into your sweet love space. I am really looking forward to playing for a wee while! I love your style; it’s a beautiful blend of elegance, heart and fun, just like you. Happy travels. x Frances


GUEST POST by Frances

sweet as peonies

Say hello to my guest blogger, lovely Frances. As I've mentioned Frannie is one of the most talented, earthy, whimsical pretties I know. Sweet as peonies one might say. Frannie is an accomplished writer and a lady full of style and impeccable earthy taste. With a little one in tow these days, her loves are widespread. Enjoy and please have me back. xx

pretty days

A glimpse of our cherished Great Gatsby Party on the weekend. Thank you sweet Chris and Jo.

summer breeze

Source: stilinspiration.blogspot.com via ANOUKB on Pinterest

More Pinterest finds. White, white, white. Fresh, Fresh, Fresh. There's something that just captivates me about this beautiful image. What is it? Part of me feels like I'm travelling and capturing someone's backyard in an exotic country, part of me feels like it's early, early in the morning in summertime and I've hung out the most scrumptious fresh, clean cotton sheets (ok i'd be hanging out a lot of sheets), part of me feels like you could be flying in the clouds. How does it capture you?

pretty pastel flowers

Source: cboheme.tumblr.com via ANOUKB on Pinterest

Had to share, just sooooo pretty and I just love, love, love paper flowers.

a sweet guest blogger

I have so many stories to tell, but have been so busy and hence so terribly remiss with sharing it all with you of late. I must tell you about Vanuatu, Melbourne, our Reno's which are about to begin, the lovliest of Great Gatsby parties and some very special news. It will have to wait until I return.
We are off on our little holiday to Poreta in Italy on Thursday night. Let's just say I'm a little jumping bean with only 4 more sleeps to go.
With my absence, I will be introducing to you my "sweet" guest blogger. I am so excited that this dear friend said yes. Let's just say you are in for a treat as this person is the most earthy, whimsical, talented, sweetest lady I know. I'm just hoping you will have me back when I return. Just to keep the suspense I will introduce her before my countdown is out and I have her all set up to share with you her loves.
Thank you so dearly for putting up with my excuses. The photo above will be our view in 5 sleeps time. The quaint village of Poreta in Umbria, amongst the olive groves and basking sun.    

sun drenched supper

A late afternoon/early evening supper. The idea of watching the sun set over an early supper with friends seems heavenly. This photos says it all. I adore the simplicity, the sun setting in the distance amongst the hills, the pretty lace table cloth, the effortless paddock flowers, the lanterns for when that sun eventually does set. The rapture of never-ending summer long days.

I found this dreamy image via style-files.

weekend rituals

My favourite weekend ritual, breaky on the deck with my hubby, listening to Florence and the Machine, reading the paper, magazines, fresh coffee. Beautiful sunny winter days that only Queensland can deliver. xxx